Who We Are
We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3)EIN 23-2058836 membership organization, as well as, a a PA EITC Innovative Educational Program , PA BCO #35377, that is focused on promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the critical role it plays in our society: to inform, educate, and inspire.
MISSION STATEMENT: Our Mission is to inspire a greater interest in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) studies and encourage students to conduct creative research with the opportunity to present their projects for evaluation by the professional STEM community.
CASEF VISION: The Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair will serve as the venue to: Connect bright and motivated young scientists with this region’s industry, academia and professional organizations to promote economic development within Central Pennsylvania Encourage young scientists to find solutions to life’s greatest challenges and prepare a healthy and sustainable future. Introduce students to the science and technology opportunities within our region will facilitate the cultivation and retention of a tremendous resource – our youth.
HISTORY: The Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair (CASEF) began in 1957 with a lesson in character. Dr. Thomas Bowman Jr., a local physician started the fair to teach his 12 year old son, Tom, a lesson. His son considered himself ‘the smartest person around.” Dr. Bowman took him to see the Westinghouse Talent Search exhibit in Washington D.C. After viewing the displays, Tom admitted, “Dad, there are some people smarter than I am.” This was enough to convince Dr. Bowman of the importance of science fairs and coordinated with the National Science Fair to establish a local affiliated fair.
With the sponsorship of the Patriot-News Co., the first fair was held at the Zembo Mosque with over 450 projects from students from 50 schools in seven counties. CASEF has been an annual event in the Harrisburg area since then. Science education opportunities offered through CASEF help students develop research methods, hone problem-solving skills, and refine both visual and oral presentation techniques through fair preparation and experience. All public and private schools in our 41 county central Pennsylvania service area are eligible to register to participate in The Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair (CASEF). Senior division grand champions advance to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair® ( ISEF); the highest scoring projects of the junior division enter the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. Students attending these prestigious competitions from the Capital Area have had remarkable success and recognition.
A Young Scholars program was added in 2023 for students in grades 5 and 6. These students are invited to participate in the fair and be judged for placement awards.
COMPETITIONS:
CASEF, is one of six regional fairs in Pennsylvania whose purpose is to provide a venue for 7-12 grade students to showcase their student research projects. We serve 41 of the 67 counties in PA. Most of these counties are in the underserved rural areas of Pennsylvania and have never participated in CASEF.
Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair (CASEF)
CASEF will have a Science Fair AT PENN STATE HARRISBURG
Check Home page for latest updates as to location of fair at PSU.
Office is located at: 202 Church Hall
777 W. Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057
Mailing address: CASEF c/o Knowles (CASEF Fair Director)
103 Newport Rd, Duncannon, PA 17020
* Our Senior Grand Champions will move on to compete at the International level, ISEF:
Competitions Beyond CASEF:
International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF.)
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.
Middle School competition is Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
CASEF Young Scholars Competition for Elementary students in the 5th or 6th grades.
CASEF Board of Directors
Executive Board of Directors
CASEF 2023-2024 Board of Directors
Raz Abdulqadir – BMS Program, Penn State College of Medicine
Marie-Louise Abrams – Director International Programs & External Affairs, Penn State Harrisburg
Kathryn Armstrong – Retired, Central Dauphin School District
Michelle Banks, Retired Teacher, St. Theresa School New Cumberland
Tricia Britton– Retired Teacher, Upper Dauphin Area Middle School
Lynn Brumfield- PA turnpike Commission Training & Roadway Programs Supervisor
Michael Corradino – Dean, School of Science and Mathematics, HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College
Amy Diehl – CASEF President, Camp Hill School District
Alan W. Flenner, JD, PE, ENV SP | Vice President, Corporate Counsel and Facility Security Officer,Gannett Fleming
John Friend – Associate Vice President, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Rebecca Hardie –CASEF Secretary, Harrisburg School District, Sci-Tech Campus
Jessica Maguire – Halifax School District
Indira Purushothaman – Formerly PSU College of Medicine Anatomy Laboratory
Lauren Schaller – Teacher – Dauphin County Technical School
Adam Walter - Director of Military and Veteran Affairs, Adjunct Instructor HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College
Desiree Weaver – Mid Penn Bank
*Valerie Knowles –Fair Director
CASEF BOARD MEMBERS
BOARD MEETINGS*. MONDAYS 4:15pm
LOCATION: PSU Harrisburg Church Hall unless otherwise noted in agenda or email notification.
*October, December, April as needed
September 18*
October 16
November 20
*December 18
January 23
February 12
March 20*
April 15
May 20
June Committee meeting yearly report.
July 16 Retreat
Fair, Judging, Development, Technology
Committee meetings scheduled as needed.
